Easy Ways to Consume Less Electricity This Summer

Whether or not we are motivated by helping the environment, conserving electricity is worthwhile because it can save us money. All over the country, electricity bills are increasing as energy costs in general continue to climb.

Here, courtesy of consumer expert Andrea Woroch, are six energy-saving tips for summer. Check back in a few days for six more tips.

1. Go Window Shopping
When the weather hits over 90 degrees and it's too hot to be outdoors, leave your credit card at home and head to an air-conditioned mall. After a few laps around the perimeter, you'll have gotten some exercise while catching up on the latest fashions.

2. Get Out of the House
Turn off the air conditioning, the TV and all those other electricity hogs, and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. If your kids spend their summer vacations playing video games, they're sucking up a lot of energy without expending any of their own. Sign them up for sports leagues, summer camps and other activities outside the home.

3. Turn Off Power Strips
Even if you've turned off the television, computer and other power vampires, those power strips are still sucking you dry. The same goes for rechargers, which may seem benign when not hooked up to your cell phone. The fact is, they're still drawing electricity when not in use, so flip that switch. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the standby power of unused appliances usually accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of residential electricity costs.

4. Power Down Computers
Running a computer and monitor 24/7 uses about 1,100 kilowatt hours annually, or roughly $100 a year. Save 60 percent to 80 percent by putting your computer in power-saving mode or turning it off completely.

5. Use Powerless Cleaning Appliances
Use an old-fashioned can opener instead of that space-hogging electrical opener to reduce kilowatt usage. Clean rugs with a carpet sweeper instead of a vacuum. (You can find these old-fashioned cleaners at a surprising number of garage sales.) Dry laundry on a clothes line or rack instead of a power-hungry dryer. (Washers and dryers are responsible for 19 percent of your energy bill.) In general, consider how you can replace miniature power users with powerless appliances.

6. Shut the Curtains
Turn off or turn down an air conditioner by keeping windows covered during the day. You'll minimize sun exposure while maximizing the cooler night air.